Jean-Matteo Bahoya opens up on Leeds United transfer decision with 'best in the Premier League' admission
The speedy winger joined Leeds United on loan late on deadline day.
Deadline day arrival Jean-Matteo Bahoya insists Leeds United presented to him the ‘best project in the Premier League’.
Bahoya joined Leeds on a season-long loan from Eintracht Frankfurt late on deadline day. The Whites paid a €2million loan fee and now hold €23million option to buy plus €5m of add-ons.
The winger emerged as a late-window target for Leeds and a deal sheet had to be submitted in order to get his move over the line. The club eventually confirmed their hint for a new winger was successful after midnight.
Bahoya had been on the radar of several Premier League clubs over the summer and reportedly rejected the chance to join Hull City. The 21-year-old was also of interest to Sunderland.
“It was really fast because it was the deadline but now I am good in my head so I can be 100 per cent focused on the pitch,” Bahoya told LUTV upon his arrival. “And of course, I am so excited.
“Every player wants to play in Premier League and the best project in the Premier League for me was Leeds. I feel really happy. It is a good step for me because it is a good club in Premier League with crazy fans and a top project.
“I am just happy to play with these players and I want to play a lot of games here because it is a good project. We heard a lot of good things about the fans and the atmosphere in the stadium and the club is in good development.
“This is why also I come here because I love the project and I just want to be here. A lot of things is good here.”
Bahoya was one of several players to enjoy a rollercoaster deadline day as clubs scrambled to get deals over the line. The French youth international is eligible to feature against Brighton on Saturday, should manager Daniel Farke wish.
“I spoke with the coach, he has top ideas,” the new signing added. “He watches football like me and we speak the same language, so it is the best spot for me.
“England is the best place for a footballer. It is so good because every team have a good player and it is the best championship in the world. I am just excited to play here.”